Varex
Dresden - Germany

So much have been written about the Exakta Varex and its history, and this is of course not without good reason. The Varex were the worlds leading SLR for many year, and faced no serious competition from the late 40's to the beginning of the 60's, and Ihagee could basically sell all the cameras they could manufacture. The number of choices when it comes to the vast range of different lenses, and all kinds of accessories are almost unbelievable, offering a versatility that can be compared with the Leitz range of lenses, gadgets, gizmos and add-on's. A similar succes with a SLR camera were never seen from any West German manufacturer who, except for Wirgin's Edixa, all stuck with the use of central shutters. The history of the Varex, which evolved from the Kine Exakta's, began in 1949-50 and ended with the VX 500 in 1969 at which time the japanese SLR's totally controlled and dominated the market.

So how does the Varex feel ?. Well, it feels like a machine; a machine that takes photographs, a fine piece of precision equipment. It's very hard to describe, but it feels like a lot of effort and consideration have been put into evry little detail of the camera, and at the same time evrything about the Varex are loaded with destinct personality. There are no camera quite like the Exakta Varex.

Exakta Varex VX  (1955-56) SLR
Serial no.: 808083
Format:  24 x 36 on 35mm film (135)
Optics:  Tessar 1:2,8  50 mm Exakta bayonet
Shutter: Horizontal focal plane cloth B + 6 sec. => 1/1000 sec.

I think that many agrees with when I say, that the old Varex with the engravings and the old frontplate are the most beautiful of them all. Of course my particular Varex should have another viewfinder typical of the time (f.e. type 2.1), but it's nice still to have something to look for and collect. When buying these old Exakta's, you should make shure that the shutter works, and that the shutter curtains are not curled or wrinkled. They unfortunately are quite often, but I would claim that these old Varex are on of those SLR's that are worth having totally CLA'ed or even restored. If in perfect condition you will own a historical SLR which will serve you well in many years to come, and open up an entire universe of lenses and accessories.

Bottom view showing the destinct body shape and beautiful chrome edges and curves

Varex fitted with Steinheil Tele-Quinar 1:2,8 135mm and hood

Exakta Varex VX II b (1965-66) SLR
Serial no.: 1078957
Format:  24 x 36 on 35mm film (135)
Optics:  Pancolar 1:2,0  50 mm Exakta bayonet
Shutter: Horizontal focal plane cloth B + 6 sec. => 1/1000 sec.

This particular Varex used to belong to Mr. Wolfgang Zillmann from whom I got it. It's in perfect condition, and Wolfgang once won 1st price in an international Kodak photo contest with this camera. I promised him to take good care of it, and of course I do. If you are looking for a really superb standard lens, the Zeiss Pancolar comes highly recommended.  The Varex II b are generally considered one of the mechanically most well built models in the Varex range.

Exakta Varex VX 1000 (1966) SLR
Serial no.: 1212257
Format:  24 x 36 on 35mm film (135)
Optics:  Tessar 1:2,8  50 mm Exakta bayonet
Shutter: Horizontal focal plane cloth B + 6 sec. => 1/1000 sec.

The VX 1000 are in fact the first Varex that are essentially different from the 1936 Varex. Allthough the bodyshape are the same (thank God !), the top- and bottom covers are different, and the wind lever and film transport gearing are redesigned with a shorte stroke. Another important features that came with the VX 1000 were the instant return mirror. The back cover lock are a newer and more simple type, but apart from that it's still a true Varex. I don't know if you've noticed the longest shutter speed on these Exakta's ?. Yes, 6 seconds !.  When I come to think about it, I really don't know why this is in fact necssesary, but who cares anyway ! ;-)

 

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